Window Displays
Window displays look out over the street and entice people to come into the store. Wholesale homewares and visual merchandising go hand in hand. Many shopkeepers do not pay enough attention to their window front. This is a pity because it represents the retailer's opportunity to be creative. Neglecting window displays is passing up a chance to give a good impression from potential patrons as they shop. A well thought out window display draws the eye and gives the impression of an upscale department store or upscale boutique. This draws in people who may not be that familiar with the local area but still have money they would like to spend. The theory of visual merchandising suggests that to have a prominent window display is one part design and the other merchandise. At La Vida we have compiled a list of ideas for eye catching window displays using wholesale homewares.
Display Stands
The beauty of a display stand is that it can be used to exhibit goods anywhere, even in a window. There are a lot of ways to incorporate display stand into a window display. Mannequins have been standing in store fronts since the 19th century. In fact most display stands are designed with visual merchandising in mind. The elegant simplicity of a velvet necklace bust adds worlds to a bare store window. Jewellery can be dangled on any kind of hook so there are display stand trees, as well as wall hook sets, and simple trays. Other kinds of display stands are more like coat racks, hanging rails, or umbrella stands.
Furniture
If the display window is large enough then home furnishings can be used to create a room like environment for passers-by to admire. Depending on the type of shop furniture may or may not be a good idea. All kinds of businesses benefit from wholesale homewares including furniture sellers, book stores, restaurants and more. So if the business sets up a window with a comfortable looking chair by a book shelf more so the better. Boutiques might even consider using the furniture with mannequins to create a stage like setting. Get creative and remember that this is the first thing customers will see.
Soft Furnishings
Soft furnishings add a level of cosiness to a furnished room that makes it seem complete. Window dressing presents to opportunity to use soft furnishings in ways one normally never could. In a window display some like a giant pile of pillows can look like a great idea. It also shows off the massive selection of cushions and entices the potential customers to come inside. Table runners and throws can be laid over tables or other large objects to create an attractive surface for displaying wares. Make the soft furnishings themselves the display by suspending them from the ceiling. There are a myriad of options.
Mirrors, Candles & Lamps
Items like mirrors, candles and lamps are not just top notch merchandise. They can be used to build alluring displays that literally employs the light that the human eye uses to see. Like a moth to a flame people who pass by the well-lit window display will be unconsciously drawn into the shop. This is especially useful for establishments that have late business hours. Mirrors are an old decorating stand by because their reflective surfaces automatically makes a space appear twice as large. Make use of the reflective properties of mirrors by placing them opposite of a light source such as a lit candle holder.
Pretty Glassware
Pretty glassware is often displayed near a window because of the way the sunlight looks passing through it. And thanks to modern technology decorative glassware can be purchased in any colour. Depending on the type of business the glassware itself can be used as a display stand. Baked goods and other treats look tempting especially when they are presented on an old fashioned crystalline cake stand or compote. Glass domed lids can be placed over anything small enough including houseplants or scientific oddities. Even glass vases filled with decorative flora looks better than a bare or dusty store front.